Xbox Series X controller changes discussed by Microsoft

Xbox Series X controller changes were today detailed and discussed by Microsoft.

In an interview posted to Xbox Wire, Senior Designer Ryan Whitaker, discussed the controller’s new form factor, Share button and more.

Xbox Series X controller form factor

First, Whitaker said the controller’s smaller form is to accomodate “a wider range of hand sizes, especially smaller hands” — specifically, those of an “average 8-year-old”. The change should “improve accessibility and comfort for hundreds of millions more people without negatively affecting the experience for those with larger hands.”

The new form factor has been achieved by “rounding the bumpers, slightly reducing and rounding parts around the triggers, and carefully sculpting the grips,” Whitaker confirmed.

Xbox Series X controller d-pad

Next, the controller’s d-pad has been designed to “deliver the best of both” the Elite controller’s two distinct d-pad styles — a more traditional one and another that’s like a small satellite dish.

“The slightly deeper dish gives your thumb a nice little ‘“home’ to sit in,” Whitaker said. “The angles are finely tuned to give you a good amount of leverage with minimal movement.”

Xbox One X controller Share button

We’ve been asking for a dedicated Share button for years, and we’ll finally get one with the next-gen controller.

“Adding a Share button is the best way to make capturing and sharing instantaneous,” Whitaker said. “It’s easy to just grab a screenshot or record a video without needing on-screen menus. Then you can easily access and share content with your favorite social platforms or directly with friends.”

Stay tuned for more on Xbox Series X. The next-gen console will hit store shelves this coming holiday season.